Is Toronto Disappearing?

COLUMBUS, OH

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JIMMY PAIGE

Buzzer

I'm impartial when it comes to this subject but it seems as though a lot of people have a strong opinion on it. I recently read an article in The Star that discussed how the city's landscape is changing to accommodate new developments. Does it bother you that Toronto is becoming more and more "condo-land"? Right now everywhere you turn there is a crane - is Toronto losing it's identity, along with the disappearing views, trees, and green-space?

The article is here: http://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2013/06/19/trees_come_down_on_bloor_and_condos_will_go_up.html

Ontario / General Chit-Chat

RYAN MCGOVERN

Senior Buzzer

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I don't really see how Toronto is losing greenspace - the majority of projects going up right now are not replacing parkland or forestry, but rather parking lots, existing retail/residential, and brownfield sites. But the views are definitely changing; I feel for the people who have lived in homes for decades and are suddenly living in the shadow of a tower, or have their view blocked out. However, when purchasing a new construction condo, I think the rule of thumb is to not be motivated by the view, and to assume that it will change.

MATTHEW SLUTSKY

Senior Buzzer

2299

171

I think that the increase of population into the core and urban areas has brought with it great vibrancy to the once sleepy city.

JAMIE KINCH

Buzzer

142

The city is changing. It is not losing its identity. @Ryan McGovern makes the great point that the sites that are being developed are parking lots, existing structures or brownfield sites.

I think that we are at a tipping point where Toronto is growing and changing. The intensification of the avenues that is going to take place and the LRT and transit plan are going to reshape the city. This though isn't going to cause Toronto to lose its identity. With smart planning and foresight development, if anything, is going to improve the city.

Some people aren't going to like it. There always is. I feel as though it is for the better though.

That is Just my opinion though.

DARLENE

Buzzer

All I know is, when I drive downtown, I become very claustophobic. I need to see the sky and some grass. This brings me back to the balcony question, if I had to live downtown, I would most definitely use my balcony, just so I could see beyond the horizon.